From Overwhelmed to Empowered: A Hygiene Student’s Guide to Stress and Burnout

Presented by: Heather DeJonge

Course Description:

Dental hygiene school is intense, and while it prepares students clinically, it often leaves them underprepared for the mental and physical demands of lectures, clinic, and competencies. This course breaks down the science of stress and its direct link to burnout, equipping students with the insight and tools to recognize its effects and prevent burnout—both during school and as they step into their careers.

This course also dives into the real-life stressors and challenges of hygiene school, offering practical, easy-to-use tools and exercises to help students navigate them with greater confidence and ease. Participants will learn how to better manage their time, energy, and mental capacity to reduce overwhelm and improve productivity. The goal is to help students not just get through hygiene school, but to do so in a way that supports their health, performance, and long-term success as future hygienists.

Course objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the foundations of stress science, the different characteristics and types of stress, and stress’s relationship to the nervous system
• Identify the relationship between stress and burnout and recognize the early warning signs in dental hygiene students and new professionals.
• Apply practical strategies and evidence-based exercises to effectively manage common stressors encountered during dental hygiene school.
• Implement time, energy, and mental capacity management techniques to reduce stress and improve productivity and overall well-being.

About the presenter:

Heather DeJonge is a registered dental hygienist, certified stress management and burnout coach, somatic practitioner, registered yoga teacher and mindfulness coach, and the founder of MeTreats: a virtual CE & wellness experience for hygienists. .

With over 17 years of clinical experience, she teaches continuing education courses focused on burnout prevention, stress physiology, trauma-informed care, and sustainable career longevity. Heather blends evidence-based stress science with restorative practices to help hygienists reduce symptoms, restore balance, and thrive both personally and professionally.

About this Student Webinar Program:

This is an interactive student webinar designed specifically for current students and recent grads. While your camera will be off, we encourage lively discussion in the chat box—ask questions, share takeaways, and connect with other future professionals!

This format is designed to be flexible and student-friendly, so feel free to tune in between classes, during your commute, or wherever you may be. Whether you're soaking up info on the go or participating from your couch, we're glad you're here!